Schwarzenegger: I deserve public, family anger

10/7/12 11:33 AM EDT

Promoting his new book 'Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story," former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he deserved every bit of public and private scorn directed at him over the affair that ended his marriage.

"But let me tell you, if the people are angry with me, I deserve that," Schwarzenegger said in an interview aired Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Schwarzenegger separated from his wife Maria Shriver last year over the revelation that he had fathered a child with the family housekeeper.

"I know there was a major screw up. I've hurt my wife, I've hurt the kids. I take the responsibility and i will do everything that I can," he told host David Gregory. "I'm not looking for sympathy at all. People should make up their own mind about what they think of me."

Asked if he still considered himself a man of good character, Schwarzenegger said, "I think so."

"Look, I'm sure you make mistakes," he said. "I'm sure a lot of people out there make mistakes. I made my fair share of mistakes."

Schwarzenegger also largely denied any further interest in politics or elected office.